The Kieber-Emmons Group

Bioinorganic Chemistry at the University of Utah

The Kieber-Emmons Group

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Sarah Lefave

Sarah

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I’m Sarah, a graduate student researcher constantly inspired by nature’s ability to effectively and seamlessly thrive in diverse environments. My research over the last few years has been focused on using innovative spectroscopic and computational techniques to understand the effects of protein dynamics on biological function. I am also passionate about teaching, sharing knowledge, and learning from others. I am a strong advocate for equity in and out of the workplace, and the promotion of science and critical thinking.
Aside from science, I love the outdoors and am an avid rock climber, snowboarder, and dog lover.
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Pete VanNatta

Pete

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I’m Pete, a graduate student researcher who’s goal is to learn how to accomplish challenging reactions that biology has figured out but are currently infeasible on the bench top. My research thus far has spanned water oxidation (the holy grail towards artificial photosynthesis), CH bond activation (the pinnacle of which would be selective monooxygenation of methane), magnetic properties of materials - small molecules - and protein active sites, metal-mediated organic radical transformations, and chelate binding parameters. I have experience in a variety of spectroscopies, computational chemistry, synthesis, photochemistry, electrochemistry, and even machining. I believe in working harder, not smarter, and endeavor to be a jack of all trades.
Other Interests: I have infinite hobbies, always wanting to learn a new skill. From running and climbing to writing and brewing, my focus in and out of science is always rapidly shifting.
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Ghazanfar Ali

Ali

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My name is Ghazanfar Ali and I am a 4th year graduate student in Matthew Thomas Kieber-Emmons’ lab.

My work primarily focuses on the use of copper for energy-related chemistries such as the oxidation of water to hydrogen and oxygen and the conversion of methane gas to methanol fuel. In simple words, I make copper molecules in lab, study them using spectroscopic techniques and use them for sophisticated chemical reactions.

Before joining the chemistry department at the University of Utah, I did my undergraduate studies from Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) in Pakistan, majoring in Chemistry. My undergraduate research was the conversion of biomass into fuels using nano-materials containing transition metals.

Back in undergraduate studies, I used to serve as teaching assistant for different courses in different departments, such as language, social sciences and pure sciences. Even before that, during high school, I used to teach science and math courses to middle school kids. Since joining the graduate program here at UoU, I have regularly been serving as teaching assistant for general chemistry labs, elementary chemistry, elementary bioorganic chemistry and chemistry for health sciences etc. In short, I love teaching and especially general chemistry labs where students get to learn new concepts/techniques that could come handy in day-to-day life.

Apart from research and teaching, I love playing/watching soccer, reading books, playing video games and helping non-profit organizations with community outreach programs. I speak many languages such as Urdu, Hindi, Persian, Dari, Pashto and English which help me a lot in socializing with people from different culture and backgrounds.


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David Ramirez

David

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Hello there, I’m David from Mexico, where I studied all the way to high school. Did my undergrad in Texas and I am currently a graduate student working under Prof. Kieber-Emmons, focusing on bio-inspired catalysis and small molecule transformations, with fundamental impacts on energy and human health. Outside the lab, I enjoy video and board games, listening to and playing music, swimming, reading, ice skating, and hiking.
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Kathryn Chabal

Kathryn

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Kathryn obtained her B.A. in biochemistry from Wartburg College in 2017, and started her graduate studies at the University of Utah fall of the same year. She joined the Kieber-Emmons lab in April of 2018 and is interested, and motivated by nature, in designing and studying fundamental thermodynamics of biomimetic small model complexes experimentally and computationally with applications towards energy.
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Wade Horbinski

Wade

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I'm Wade, a materials chemist with experience in electrochemistry, inorganic synthesis, and prototype battery analysis, and a passion and tenacity for applied creative problem solving to yield tangible results. I earned my B.A. in chemistry at Reed College, and I'm interested in alternative energy storage and generation solutions and in sustainability as a whole. Outside of science, I enjoy sailing, birdwatching, and making art.
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Brandt Graham

Brandt

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Hi, I’m Brandt!
I’m an undergraduate biochemistry researcher in the Kieber-Emmons lab who focuses on small-scale molecular dynamics in relation to conformational changes in proteins.  My interests lie in metalloprotein structure and function, and mechanism elucidation to benefit rational drug design.  I strongly believe that anyone can do science, and I am passionate about scientific outreach and promotion.
Outside of science, I love skiing, watching movies, and playing drums and guitar.
Give a follow on Twitter! @brandt_graham
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Vivian (Zihe) Wan

Vivian

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I’m Vivian(Zihe), an undergraduate student researcher majoring in biology with a minor in computer science. I always can be absorbed by the many science or natural phenomenas and am curious to know how they exist and how they work. Currently, I have about 2 years lab research experience focusing on genetics and biochem research. I love to learn how professional research can be done in lab and I enjoy the process to do the experiments, even many of them will be repeated and repeated again, still science!! Hope I can keep learning and to fulfill my dream get into medical school!

Other interests: Besides science or staying in lab, I love camping, playing the violin or guitar, traveling and staying with my best friend’s cat Martini!!